Day two of BCW: Stars are born!

Lesser known designers dazzle with their exquisite bridal ensembles.

KARACHI:

The second day of Bridal Couture Week (BCW) followed the same format as its first installment: Day two was reserved for low key names in the business of bridal fashion. With a ramp cradled on both sides with crystal tear drops, some of which also hung majestically from the ceiling, the stage was set to dazzle. While many did not expect unknown names like Mona Imran and Shireen Hasan to make an impact, they delightfully surprised us all.

Mona Imran and Shireen Hasan, who have been working for a significant ten and seven years respectively, may have a loyal clientele, but are not well known beyond their cherished cliques. A public platform, such a bridal week, allows for such names to emerge into the spotlight and if they have the design prowess to hit a chord with the discerning fashion crowd, their businesses and brands will grow, along with a greater awareness of their product.

Imran opened her show with adorable little girls sauntering onstage and created a ‘wow’ moment with this concept, which is becoming quite a rage these days. Karma’s show at the recently concluded PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week, capitalised on the concept and delivered a stellar show, as did a recent charity fashion show. By including children in her show, Imran made an important business move that proved that she’s a designer that one can depend on to cater to the whole family.

Imran showcased a vibrant and tasteful trousseau collection replete with lovely bridals in a wide palette of colors ranging from black to pastels to the ubiquitous shaadi red. The show concluded with the reverberating beats of live dhols.

Shireen Hasan worked exclusively with block prints, an ever green aspect of formal wear in Pakistan. She demonstrated her dexterity in creating vivacious ensembles using traditional block print motifs as the central focus of her work. From bold fuchsia maxi dresses to ponchos and traditional formal wear, Hasan showed a range of attire for young brides to wear at their dholkis and wedding parties.

Relatively well known brands like Lajwanti and Hajra Hayat also showcased on day two. Both brands stood out for bringing Lollywood onto the catwalk. Resham made an appearance yet again for Lajwanti, but this time in a red number that didn’t quite do justice to her, especially compared to the previous scintillating pink from the first BCW. Even the cherubic faced film actor turned television anchor, Noor took to the ramp for Hajra Hayat, a brand that may not be ‘it’ for bridal wear, but made an impact with Noor’s appearance.

The night, however, belonged to Zainab Sajid, whose intricately worked garments and breathtaking bridals, albeit very Sana Safinaz inspired, were not only beautiful to behold but were impeccably stitched and finished. And with the star of the moment, Humaima Malik, who sizzled on the ramp wearing Sajid’s garments, the designer emerged that evening as the ‘go to person’ for a spectacular bridal jora. And this is precisely why it is crucial for bridal weeks to allow lesser known talents (even if those in attendance complain about not seeing bigger banners strut their stuff) to take the stage, so that gems like Sajid can shine.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2011.